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Files
Prayers compiled by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details). Prayers include: Earth Day Prayer, Earth Rap, Food Prayer, Gardening God’s Way, What’s Nature, Mum?, Fern Tree Gully National Park, Let Us Be as Children, The Place of Vision, Under Our Feet, Psalm 23 - Antithesis, and Vic/Tas SYNOD 2001 – You are What you Eat – Closing Prayer.
A worship resource on the theme of "Water". Prepared by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details).
A full liturgy and order of service on the theme "Food". Prepared by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details). Service held at Ashburton on 20 October 2002, using the lectionary readings Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:15-22. Includes a sermon.
A liturgy for a retreat in the highlands in July 2002. Based on the reading Romans 8:18-25. Compiled by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details).
A service of worship for Earth Team volunteers. With aims: (1) worship to strengthen our connection with God and God’s earth, (2) community building, (3) spiritual support and nourishment for Earth Team volunteers. Prepared by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details).
Results of a questionnaire about churches' uptake of GreenPower in the Sydney Presbytery. Completed in April 2008 by Miriam Pepper, Project Green Church coordinator.
Leaflet for "Re-imagining God, Ourselves, and Our Relationship with the Earth", an event at South Sydney Uniting Church on Sunday 31st May.
A poster for the "Faith, Ecology & Transformational Practice" course being held by the Catholic Institute of Sydney, on 13-15 July 2009 (Monday to Wednesday) and 29-30 Aug 2009 (Saturday and Sunday). This course explores: - ecological awareness as a context for faith development - church resources for ecological conversion - critical thinking on sustainability and environmental values - skills to engage with action net-works & to create communities of change. With lecturers Charles Rue and Sandra Menteith.
A brochure for the "Faith, Ecology & Transformational Practice" course being held by the Catholic Institute of Sydney, on 13-15 July 2009 (Monday to Wednesday) and 29-30 Aug 2009 (Saturday and Sunday). This course explores: - ecological awareness as a context for faith development - church resources for ecological conversion - critical thinking on sustainability and environmental values - skills to engage with action net-works & to create communities of change. With lecturers Charles Rue and Sandra Menteith.
A resource for children about caring for creation, can be used in worship services or in SRE lessons. With thanks to Steve Howes from the Anglican Church in Bathurst for providing this resource.
A flyer for the Five Leaf Eco Award information and equipping workshop to be held on 20th June at O'Connor Uniting Church, ACT.
A series of six lessons for primary school age children, which encourages children to regard different facets of the environment as parts of God’s creation to be respected and cherished as a divine gift. The lessons have a practical, as well as a theological emphasis. They are designed to be used in situations ranging from the schoolroom and Scripture classes to smaller groups. This resource was an ecumenical effort from Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches.
A series of three Bible studies written by Nola Stewart, member of Castlecrag Uniting Church and St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney. In Study 1 we remember that 'The Earth is the Lord's' and look at ways to practise giving God the glory for the whole of His Creation. In Study 2 we affirm our need to become more closely acquainted with Jesus, in order to renew our attitudes towards God's good Creation. It is He who brings about repentance. In Study 3 we learn dependence on God's Holy Spirit to enable us who are part of Christ's Church to set right any wrongs done in the past to God's amazing world.
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The 21st of November is World Fisheries Day. This Day helps in highlighting the critical importance of and threats to the world's fisheries and fish populations. More than two-thirds of the world's fisheries have been overfished or are fully harvested and more than one third are in a state of decline because of factors such as the loss of essential fish habitats, pollution, and global warming. This resource, prepared by Kippax Uniting Church member Jessica Morthorpe, gives a suggested prayer for Sunday 22nd November, and action ideas.
The first in a series of devotional studies, discussions, and sermon background materials that brings a 21st century rural perspective to Jesus’ parables. The first in this series is related to Jesus’ teaching about cropping, and features 14 short story explanations. Written by Ross Neville, Uniting Church Consultant for Rural Mission and Evangelism in NSW.
The second in a series of devotional studies, discussions, and sermon background material that brings a 21st century rural perspective Jesus’ parables. This resource has eight short story explanations under the heading "garden parables", where Jesus likens us to trees, vines, fruit producing trees and fig trees. Written by Ross Neville, Uniting Church Consultant for Rural Mission and Evangelism in NSW.
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Ths 2009 Christmas Greening Resource includes prayers and "Christmas challenges" for your family - including decorations, presents and food. Thanks to Jessica Morthorpe for providing this resource.
The third in a series of devotional studies, discussions, and sermon background materials that brings a 21st century rural perspective to Jesus’ parables. This third resource is entitled "Weeds and Harvest". Written by Ross Neville, Uniting Church Consultant for Rural Mission and Evangelism in NSW.
Edition 2 of a series of three Bible studies written by Nola Stewart, member of Castlecrag Uniting Church and St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney. In Study 1 we remember that 'The Earth is the Lord's' and look at ways to practise giving God the glory for the whole of His Creation. In Study 2 we affirm our need to become more closely acquainted with Jesus, in order to renew our attitudes towards God's good Creation. It is He who brings about repentance. In Study 3 we learn dependence on God's Holy Spirit to enable us who are part of Christ's Church to set right any wrongs done in the past to God's amazing world.
An introductory leaflet for churches in NSW interested in generating their own solar electricity.
A guide to help churches to investigate going solar. Includes information about solar photovoltaic systems, planning considerations, solar system finances (including information on incentives and indicative costs), guidance for choosing an installer, information about solar hot water heaters and heat pumps, information relevant to households as well as to churches.
"Abundance in the Bush" is a collection of 31 devotions based on life in the Australian bush which will stir, encourage and refresh anyone who is ‘country at heart’. Written by Linda Watt, of Mary Valley Uniting Church.
Flyer for a forum on "Climate Change - Making Informed Choices" on Saturday 4th September hosted by Canberra City Uniting Church. Speakers include Dr John Williams, and Bishop George Browning on the ethical/theological issues surrounding the challenge of climate change. There will be a live performance from „The Gifts of the Furies‟, and an open Panel discussion exploring an ethical Christian response to climate change.
Join O’Connor Uniting Church on Saturday 25 September from 9.30am to 2pm as they celebrate their recently re-fitted hall, and the church’s new solar panels are commissioned by Simon Corbell at 11.00am. Includes music, fresh food, activities for children, and tours of the organic garden.
Bible studies for Season of Creation 2010 week 2, on the theme "fauna", prepared by Jessica Morthorpe and Steve Coster for Kippax Uniting Church.
Bible study resource, adapted from the Season of Creation 2010 Ocean Sunday study by Norman Habel by Jessica Morthorpe and Steve Coster for Kippax Uniting Church.
Bible studies for Season of Creation 2010 week 3, on the theme "storm", prepared by Jessica Morthorpe and Steve Coster for Kippax Uniting Church.
Bible studies for Season of Creation 2010 week 4, on the theme "cosmos", prepared by Jessica Morthorpe and Steve Coster for Kippax Uniting Church.
These sample helpful hints for food buying groups/cooperatives give guidelines for how to buy produce in bulk from a fruit barn or market .
A sample shopping roster for food buying groups/cooperatives.
An introductory leaflet for churches interested in community food initiatives, e.g. community gardens, food buying groups/cooperatives, community supported agriculture. (Double sided A5 leaflet, two to an A4 page.)
A resource for churches interested in community food intiaitives (e.g. community gardens, food buying groups). Includes information about community food initiatives; guidelines to help churches get involved in community gardens, community supported agriculture and food buying groups; and suggestions for other initiatives such as garden share, food swaps and grow zones.
A sample gardeners agreement, courtesy of Miranda Community Garden, www.gm-uniting.org.au/garden.htm.
Background fact sheet about the Total Environment Centre's national Cash for Containers campaign. In Australia currently we send 6 billion beverage containers to landfill every year. Sending these items to landfill just doesn’t make sense! The most effective way we know of to recover these containers is to have a 10 cent deposit which is refunded when it is returned for recycling.
Would people from your church or faith community like to comment or study some of the issues about the future use of water in Australia? Material for information and discussion about the Murray Darling Basin Plan has been prepared by Ross Neville, Julie Greig and Kel Hodge from the Board of Mission. The purpose of the material is to: · Inform people about what has happened. · Invite more people within the Uniting Church to comment about the issues. Ross, Julie and Kel would like to hear the opinions of your group so that they can prepare a comprehensive follow up response to the government enquiry into the Murray Darling Basin plan.
Churches that offer their land for the use of external community garden groups are required by the Uniting Church Synod to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the external group, setting out the terms of the agreement between the two parties. This document provides basic guidelines for MOUs.
Event leaflet for a tour on Saturday 12th March of four community gardens initiated by Christians and churches in south west Sydney.
Event leaflet for a tour on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April of six community gardens at churches in Canberra, the Monaro and the South Coast.
Event leaflet for a tour on Saturday 28th May of four community gardens at churches in inner Sydney.
In this sermon, Jessica Morthorpe of Kippax Uniting Church and the Five Leaf Eco Awards, talks about creation and praise - about how all creatures join in a litany of praise of God, and the imperative I think it gives to care for creation and for our endangered species. It was delivered at Springwood Uniting Church in the Blue Mountains on Palm Sunday 2011, on the occasion of the presentation of their Five Leaf Eco-Awards Basic Certificate.
Jessica Morthorpe of Kippax Uniting Church and the Five Leaf Eco Awards reflects on 1 Samuel 16:1-13, and talks about "what can one person do?" in the face of ecological crisis. The talk was first given at George’s Uniting Church in Eden on the 3rd of April 2011. St George's holds the most Five Leaf Eco Awards of any church in Australia - and so the main aim of the talk was not to inform or persuade, but to encourage. Jessica now shares this talk in the hope that it might be an encouragement to other churches and Christians caring for God's creation. You are all heroes!
Board of Mission staff Ross Neville (Rural Evangelism and Mission Consultant), Kel Hodge (Rural Chaplain) and Julie Greig (Rural Chaplain) appeared before the Windsor Inquiry into the Murray Darling Basin Plan in March. Ross, Kel and Julie have now made a follow-up submission, drawing upon discussions held at more than a dozen locations across the Synod. Their submission makes the following recommendations for the Murray Darling Basin Plan process: - Change needs to be with real consultation and include local wisdom - There needs to be a consensual process to help communities find new ways of being - There has to be long term certainty for those using the water including irrigators and communities - The whole Australian community, and not just those living in the basin area, needs to share “the pain” of fixing the problem - Australia needs a long term food policy
A speech given by Hazel McKenzie-Kay, Cooma Community Garden member and parishioner at Cooma Uniting Church, to a group of visitors to the garden on 2 April 2011.
Small group discussion about public policy issues concerning water, held at the "faith. on earth" event at the Hunter Wetlands Centre on 23/9/11.
Small group discussion about public policy issues concerning food security, held at the "faith. on earth" event at the Hunter Wetlands Centre on 23/9/11.
Small group discussion about public policy issues concerning coal seam gas, held at the "faith. on earth" event at the Hunter Wetlands Centre on 23/9/11.
Paper by South African ecotheologian Professor Ernst Conradie, delivered at "The Climate Crisis as the Crisis of Humanity" symposium held at the United Theological College, Sydney, in September 2011.
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This powerpoint presentation introduces the "Caring for Creation Bible Studies", written by Nola Stewart, member of Castlecrag Uniting Church and St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney. The presentation explores humanity's call to care for God's creation, the intrinsic worth of all species, and the need to help make space for all of God's creatures by encouraging smaller family sizes.
A liturgy in the Forest, a gathering of the people in creation 2002. Prepared and copyright Garry Deverell. Uses a reading from the Book of Wisdom:7.25 – 8.1. Liturgy provided by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details).
It’s all Sacred Ground (on God’s Earth). A full liturgy for a service of worship held at St David's Uniting Church Abbotsford on 5th Feburary 1999. Uses readings 1 Samuel 3:2-10, and Matthew 8:23-27. Prepared by the Earth Team of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (see http://www.victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/about-jim/cath-james for contact details).
U-turn groups are small groups that help churches to build relationships in our communities and help people find hope, fulfillment and a more meaningful life. This six-page resource gives suggestions for U-turn groups involving activities to do with ecology and the environment - including discussion groups, outdoor activities, and food, skills and possessions sharing.
Useful Web Links
http://www.spaceforgod.org.au/articles/climate-change-uca-responds
A paper written by Rev Dr Avril Hannah-Jones in January 2007, examining the responses to climate change of the World Council of Churches and the Uniting Church in Australia.
http://sites.google.com/site/george007site
Newcastle resident George Stuart offers two hymnbooks providing over 200 sets of lyrics “written to well-loved traditional hymn tunes”. These include lyrics on ecological themes. Samples of the lyrics are available online. The full hymn books may be ordered direct from George Stuart, whose contact details are given on the website.
http://www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp?section_id=86
Includes an ecological footprint calculator, and tips to help households reduce their environmental impact in many parts of their lives, including energy and water use, waste, travel, food, and gardening.
http://ew.ecocongregation.org/resources/module4,
An Eco-congregation resource for children.
http://www.grants.act.gov.au/
Grants offered by the ACT government, including environmental grants.
http://www.arrcc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=52
If you have a large building which gets a lot of use, it might be worthwhile for your church to have a professional come in. See advice and links here on the ARRCC website.
http://www.arrcc.org.au
Supporting Australian faith communities to take action on climate change, through education and awareness raising, practical projects, and campaigning.
http://www.arrcc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=52
ARRCC has instructions on how to switch to GreenPower.
http://www.arrcc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=62
A presentation and instructions to help households to switch to GreenPower.
http://www.catholicearthcareoz.net/ASSISI.html
ASSISI (A Strategic, Systems-based, Integrated Sustainability Initiative) is a new initiative for the Catholic Church, run by Catholic Earthcare Australia. It provides a theological, spiritual and practical base for implementing Earthcare's ecological vision for Catholic schools, parishes and church communities, agencies and congregations.
http://www.angdon.com/uploads/media/Environmental_Audit.pdf
Several Australian Anglican diocesan environmental commissions have adapted audit materials from the UK Eco-congregation program to help Australian churches start to think about how they can incorporate ecological concerns into the different areas of their church lives. The audit resources is available on the Newcastle Diocesan Environmental Commission webpages, and covers worship, theology, children’s work, youth work, all-age and adult education, church property, church management, church land, personal lifestyle, community outreach, and overseas concerns.
http://www.communitygarden.org.au/
For extensive information about community gardens, including finding a community garden near you, and setting up your own garden.
http://foodsovereigntyalliance.org/
The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance is a collaboration of organisations and individuals working together towards a food system in which people have the opportunity to choose, create and manage their food supply from paddock to plate. ASFA's purpose is to cooperate to create an equitable, sustainable and resilient food system for all Australians.
http://www.veg-soc.org
http://www.ecofaith.org/articles/thesis%20versions.html
A PhD thesis by Rev Dr Jason John, on evolution, ecology and theology.
http://nsw.uca.org.au/bom/ruralmission/twinning.htm
An initiative of the Board of Mission's Rural Mission and Evangelism project that brings together rural and urban congregations.
http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/econotes-index.htm
UK network Christian Ecology Link provides ecological notes on the Common Worship Lectionary (principal service readings).
http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/prayers-for-hope/index.htm
UK network Christian Ecology Link has a “Community of Prayer”. Prayers contributed by its members are on its website, and there is also a daily prayer guide.
http://unitingcarenswact.org.au/advocacy/issues_index/synod_social_justice_resolutions
www.ecodirectory.com.au/index.php/community-supported-agriculture
A listing of some community supported agriculture initiatives in Australia.
http://www.seasonofcreation.com/songs/
New words by Norman Habel to old tunes.
http://fiveleaf-crownofthorns.blogspot.com/
A blog by Jessica Morthorpe, a member of Kippax Uniting Church, Church Project Coordinator of the Five Leaf Eco Awards, and a member of the Uniting Earthweb Group.
http://www.asen.org.au/index.php?p=campaign_food_coop
http://www.ecofaith.org/mnc/soc/index.html
“Season of Creation” resources prepared by Rev Dr Jason John from the mid north coast Presbytery. These are a little less formal than the original resources at seasonofcreation.com, and draw more on Uniting Church resources. They also provide some progressive/evolution affirming options, and a generic communion service.
http://ew.ecocongregation.org/resources/module2
A whole range of liturgical resources and useful links are available from the UK-based “Eco-congregation” program.
http://ew.ecocongregation.org/resources/module6
“Exploring God’s Green Word” – Bible study resources from UK-based program Eco-congregation, plus links to a range of other Bible study resources.
http://ew.ecocongregation.org/resources/module2
This resource contains a list of creation-centred hymns.
http://ecofaith.org/worship/christmas.html
A series of poems and stories, re-written "eco-carols", and a mini-sermon from Rev Dr Jason John and the eco-faith community.
http://ecofaith.org/footprint/index.html
This site has a tool to measure the ecological footprint of gathering to worship God at your church, and ideas on how to reduce this footprint.
http://www.ecofoot.org/
An Australian ecological footprint calculator is available on this site.
http://ecomissiolog.blogspot.com/
Blog by Rev Dr David Reichardt, Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery Minister, with a PhD in ecotheology.
http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/funding.html
Provides a listing of grants available in NSW, from government and other sources, including an "environment and heritage" category.
http://www.anglicancgsharepoint.org.au/Publib/Documents/Environment/Resources/Environment%20Handbook.pdf
The Anglican Dioceses of Grafton, and Canberra & Goulburn, have produced an environment handbook to help parishes to green their buildings and property. This includes simple energy, water, and garden audits, and suggestions for waste management and transport management.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/envtrust.htm
Grants for environmental activities (not in buildings). Administered by: NSW Government Department of Environment and Climate Change Description: The objectives of the Environmental Trust are: • to encourage and support restoration and rehabilitation projects • to promote research into environmental problems of any kind • to promote environmental education in both the public and private sectors • to fund the acquisition of land for the national parks estate • to fund the declaration of areas for marine parks and for related purposes • to promote waste avoidance, resource recovery and waste management (including funding enforcement and regulation and local government programs) • to fund environmental community groups and • to fund the purchase of water entitlements for the purpose of increasing environmental flows for the State's rivers and restoring or rehabilitating major wetlands.
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint/calculators/default.asp
Has ecological footprint calculators and a DVD explaining the ecological footprint concept.
http://www.hf.ntnu.no/relnateur/index.php?lenke=about.php
Promotes scholarly and critical inquiry into the relationships between human beings and their diverse cultures, environments and religious beliefs and practices.
http://green.wa.uca.org.au/index.php?page=worship-resources
A four-part Bible study, prepared by the Social Justice Board of the WA Synod, and based on Bible studies produced by Eco-congregation Ireland:
http://www.fairtrade.com.au/
The website of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ) Inc provides you with information on the different fair trade initiatives operating in both countries, as well as links and insight to the larger global fair trade movement. The website includes a facility to find fair trade products near you, and infomation about how you can have your church registered as a Fair Trade Faith Group.
http://www.fairtrade.net/home.html
The Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) is part of a worldwide network of Fair Trade organizations actively involved in supporting producers, awareness raising and campaigning for changes in the rules and practices of conventional international trade.
http://www.farmersmarkets.org.au/
http://australia.gov.au/topics/environment-and-natural-resources/environment-grants
A listing of environmental grants offered by the federal government.
http://victas.uca.org.au/green-church/awards
The Five Leaf Eco Awards is an ecumenical environmental change program for churches - helping you to "green" your buildings, worship, congregation, outreach, and leadership. Materials for the award are now available online, hosted by the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
https://www.flexicar.com.au/
A car share company.
http://sydney.foodconnect.com.au
A community supported agriculture scheme, providing Sydneysiders with organic seasonal produce sourced from farmers as locally as possible.
http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/index.php/issues/living-sustainably/living-sustainably-resources-papers.html
Prayers of Adoration and Confession, by Rev Elenie Poulos, Uniting Justice, August 2008
http://www.robinmann.com/album%20data/AllSongs.html
The song “For You Deep Stillness”, music by Robin Mann, words by Julie Perrin.
http://fore.research.yale.edu/
FORE is an international and interreligious network based in the USA that brings religion together with academic and activist discourse on the environment. It provides a wealth of resources (sacred texts, satements, bibliography, practical projects, additional essays, links etc), for Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, indigenous, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
http://fore.research.yale.edu/religion/christianity/bibliography.html
A bibliography on Christianity and ecology, with approximately 500 entries.
www.fridgebuyback.com.au
Fridge Buyback is an energy efficiency program, involving 45 NSW local councils, and supported by the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund. Fridge Buyback offers residents a $35 rebate and free removal by professional removalists. It was awarded the Best Eco-Friendly Product in the 2010 Australian Business Awards. In addition to saving residents money on their power bills (on average, a second fridge adds $210 per year to power bills), greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by an average 1 tonne CO2 per year, refrigerant gases are properly removed and the metals in the fridge are recycled. To participate in the program, fridges must be working second fridges that have been in regular use, are 250 litres or more in size and at least 10 years old.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/gwci/
The Australian Government’s home guide on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
http://www.goget.com.au/
A car share company.
http://www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au/
Green Electricity Watch provides an independent rating of GreenPower products across Australia.
http://www.greenpower.gov.au/home.aspx
The Australian Government GreenPower website.
http://www.catholicearthcare.org.au/documents/EarthcareSustainableEventsChecklist2010.pdf
Catholic Earthcare Australia has prepared a guide to start a sustainable event policy for churches and church organisations that will lead to reducing the impact that meetings and events have on the planet. The guide includes travel, waste management, power and water, printed materials and information communication, menu choices, venue selection and more. Information from the guide can be implemented today with immediate results.
http://www.irca.is/index.htm
IRCA is a network of people with a passion for rural communities based on their passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The IRCA community shares stories of struggle and hope, joined by reliance on the land and by determination and hope based on faith in God.
http://www.religionandnature.com/society/index.htm
A community of scholars engaged in critical inquiry into the relationships among human beings and their diverse cultures, environments, religious beliefs and practices. The ISSRNC facilitates scholarly collaboration and research, and disseminates research findings through regular conferences and the affiliated Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture.
http://www.equinoxjournals.com/ojs/index.php/JSRNC
The journal of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture (ISSRNC).
http://www.viacampesina.org
An international movement of peasants, small- and medium-sized producers, landless, rural women, indigenous people, rural youth and agricultural workers.
http://www.landshareaustralia.com.au
"Landshare Australia brings together people who have a passion for home-grown food, connecting those who have land to share with those who need land for cultivating food. The concept of Landshare began in the UK, launched through the River Cottage television program in 2009, and has since grown into a thriving community of more than 57,000 growers, sharers and helpers across the country. Now that Landshare is here in Australia, we welcome you to come and take part in this fantastic initiative."
http://www.lets.org.au/nsw/nswlets.html
Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) are local, non-profit trading networks where goods and services are traded without the need for standard currency. Find links to LETS in NSW and the ACT from this weblink.
http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/climatechange2008.aspx
http://www.arrcc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=56&Itemid=25
An initiative of ARRCC (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change), encouraging people to cut the meat out of their diet one day a week. Includes background information, action ideas, and faith resources.
http://www.npansw.org.au/website/
The National Parks Association of NSW is a non-government conservation group that seeks to protect, connect and restore the integrity and diversity of natural systems in NSW and beyond, through national parks, marine sanctuaries and other means. NPANSW runs a range of education, activity and advocacy programs. Activity programs include the NatureKeepers bush regeneration initiative, HarbourKeepers, CoastKeepers, and bushwalking programs.
http://www.nsw.uca.org.au/people/greenchurch.htm
http://www.nswec.org.au/media.php?c=32
http://nsw.uca.org.au/news/2006/moderator-greening-the-church_16-11-06.htm
In October 2006, the Synod passed a resolution to ask all congregations, presbyteries and agencies to switch to Green Power.
http://www.organicfooddirectory.com.au/
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfpfp.htm
Administered by: NSW Government Department of Environment and Climate Change. Description: Funding of up to $40,000 for not-for-profit community organisations to undertake simple, low-cost water and energy saving upgrades in the facilities they use. Please note the deadline for applications is 25th October 2010.
http://www.greenchurch.ucaqld.com.au/
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/
Information about Australian government rebates available to households for solar hot water heaters and solar panels.
http://religion-online.org/listbycategory.asp?Cat=45
http://nsw.uca.org.au/bom/RM_contact.html
The Board of Mission's Rural Mission and Evangelism initiative. Includes an event listing and reports on events such as the International Christian Rural Association, and information about rural/urban twinning.
http://www.rural-theology.org.uk/
A UK-based association which aims to develop theology in a rural setting; raise awareness of the nature of rural ministry, worship and mission; and discover ways of living in the countryside which embodies a Christian response to the world.
http://www.saynotobadwood.org
"Say NO To Bad Wood" campaign aims to ensure that the Australian Government sticks to its election promise to stop illegal timber imports. The campaign is supported by the Justice and International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
http://www.seasonofcreation.com/
An Australian project, gaining increasing support in Europe and North America. For four Sundays in September, we celebrate A Season of Creation with Christ. Readings, liturgical resources, Bible studies, sermon suggestions, children’s addresses, theological reflections, and spiritual reflections.
http://smrf.nsw.uca.org.au/seedfund.htm
The Uniting Church Synod Mission Resource Fund offers $5,000 one-off seed funding for new "missional gatherings". These grants are awarded quarterly for initiatives that bring a group of people together for an ongoing intentional activity that is intentionally and explicitly connected to a uniting church congregation. If your church is conducting regular ecological outreach activities e.g. film nights, discussion groups, bushwalks, outdoor worship with people outside the church, this grant could help you.
http://www.sharemycar.com.au
A carpooling service.
http://www.shrinkingthefootprint.cofe.anglican.org/measure_audit.php
A simple energy audit tool that you can easily use yourself from the Church of England's "Shrinking the Footprint" campaign.
http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/images/pdfs/resources/sunday/2002/worshipresource.pdf
Social Justice Sudney 2002 liturgical resource - on the topic of "the rights of nature and the rights of future generations".
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index.html
Under the community buildings component of the Australian government’s Solar Homes and Communities Plan, churches can apply for competitive grants for photovoltaic panels. Grants for 50% of the system cost for installations of up to 2kW are available.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/solarhotwater/
The Australian government solar hot water rebate program.
http://www.spiritjourneys.com.au
Spirit Journeys is a network offering opportunities for personal and spiritual growth through journey to Australia’s inland, and experiences of desert and wilderness. Spirit Journeys is supported by the NSW/ACT Board of Mission.
http://green.wa.uca.org.au/index.php?page=worship-resources
A four-part Bible study series for use during the Western Australian “Sustainable September” campaign in 2008, developed by Rev Prof Bill Loader. The studies look at four themes based on what the ancient world saw as the four main elements of existence: earth, air, fire, and water.
http://green.wa.uca.org.au/index.php?page=worship-resources
Liturgical resources, prepared by Gail Cresswell, for use in worship services during the Western Australian “Sustainable September” campaign in 2008
http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourGarden/RainwaterTanks/
If you are in the Sydney area, you can access a rebate of up to $1,500 for installing a tank.
http://smrf.nsw.uca.org.au/
The Synod Mission Resource Fund (SMRF) provides resources for congregations, presbyteries and others in the New South Wales Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia to live out Jesus’ call to be at mission — connecting with their communities.
http://www.sa.uca.org.au/site/page.cfm?u=425
http://greenchurch.victas.uca.org.au/
http://green.wa.uca.org.au/
http://www.tear.org.au/projects/sector/128
TEAR Australia has a variety of projects abroad that support sustainable livelihoods.
http://www.tear.org.au/advocacy/campaigns/climate-change/
http://www.erc.org.au/pcp
For information and campaigning resources on climate change and the Pacific.
http://www.kidspot.com.au/90+138++_Baby-Hire-Equipment-&-Toys_Toy-Library.htm
A directory of toy libraries across Australia.
http://transitiontowns.org/
Communities of people that initially come together with a shared concern: how can our community respond to the challenges, and opportunities, of Peak Oil and Climate Change, and then create practical plans and initiatives with the intention of engaging a significant proportion of the people in their community. Includes a google map (in the "mulling it over" section), so you can find Transition initiatives in your locality.
http://ew.ecocongregation.org/resources/module5
Eco-congregation’s resources and links for youth groups.
http://unitingcarenswact.org.au/advocacy/issues_index/environment_and_sustainability
www.unitingjustice.org.au/issues/living-sustainably.html
http://urbanfoodmaps.com/
"Urban Food Maps provide the connections between produce and people. Population explosions, increasing density of urban areas and dependence on large-scale agribusiness and petroleum are all major factors affecting the current food system. By mapping where food is grown in urban areas and encouraging the simple act of sharing (meaning taking some and giving some) an alternative food system will be supported that will lighten these pressures and dependencies."
http://www.vegansocietynsw.com
http://www.webofcreation.org/Worship/liturgy/hymns.htm
http://www.wellspringcommunity.org.au/
The Wellspring Community is a dispersed ecumenical community of men and women in Australia who seek to follow Christ, live prophetically, see God’s presence in each moment and person, and work for reconciliation and practice peace. Members of the Wellspring Community have written papers on spirituality and the Australian wilderness, including “Beginning a Spiritual Journey: Responding To the Creator on a Bushwalk” – by Neil Holm, and “Landmarks : A Spiritual Search in a Southern Land” – by Eugene D. Stockton. These and other papers are downloadable from the website.
http://www.wellspringcommunity.org.au/concern_environment.php#thursday
The Wellspring Community (Iona Community in Australia) provides resources for reflection in relation to the environment.
http://www.tear.org.au/target/articles/whose-earth/2007-3
A Bible study from TEAR Australia.
http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/images/pdfs/resources/worldenviroday/enviroliturgy2002.pdf
World Environment Day 2003 liturgical resources – on the theme of “Give Earth a Chance”, developed by the Earth Team, Melbourne
http://nat.uca.org.au/unitingjustice/cherishingcreation/environmentaljustice/enviroday2003.htm
World Environment Day 2003 liturgical resources – on the theme of “Water - two billion people are dying for it”, prepared by Rev Dr Jason John
http://www.nsw.uca.org.au/e-news/Your%20World%20O%20God%20grows%20warmer.pdf
A hymn in response to global warming, by the Uniting Church’s Rev Peter Holden.